Police Dispatcher

The California State University; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Police Dispatcher to join their dynamic team. This entry-level role involves crucial support duties within the Police Communication Center, including dispatching emergency services and maintaining effective communication between law enforcement and the public. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to campus safety while developing valuable skills in emergency response. If you thrive in high-pressure situations and are committed to public service, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid overtime

Flexible scheduling

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate clearly via telephone, radio, and in person.
• Experience using a switchboard and two-way radio in law enforcement.

Responsibilities

• Receive and dispatch emergency and routine requests for services.
• Operate emergency communications equipment to dispatch officers.

Skills

Effective communication

Judgment and discretion

Data entry skills

Ability to operate emergency communications equipment

Ability to handle multiple priorities

Ability to learn police emergency procedures

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)

Two-way radio communication system

Video display terminals

Job description

Apply now Job no: 547740
Work type: Staff
Location: San José
Categories: Unit 7 - CSUEU - Clerical and Administrative Support Services, Probationary, Full Time, Safety, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Job Summary

The Police Dispatcher is an entry level, uniformed non-sworn, support position for the University Police Department. Under general supervision of the Dispatch and Communications Manager or the watch commander, the Police Dispatcher will perform a variety of specialized support duties within the Police Communication Center. Support duties may include: communication’s dispatching and public counter duties; providing clerical, records and technical support services including operating a centralized computer-aided dispatch (CAD), 9-1-1 and other non-emergency phones, and monitoring campus alarms.

The Police Dispatcher is responsible for maintaining effective and accurate communications between campus law enforcement, the public and other allied agencies. The Police Dispatcher I records and dispatches routine and emergency information promptly, clearly and accurately. Regular use of judgment and discretion is necessary to set priorities, assess the importance of information and react quickly and effectively. The Police Dispatcher will perform a variety of specialized support duties within the Police Communications Center. The Police Dispatcher is required to work rotating shifts which includes nights, weekends and holidays. Overtime may be required.

• Receives emergency and routine requests for services from the campus community and from various electronic communications equipment, i.e., enhanced 911 and other telephone lines, radio transmissions, video display terminals, alarm enunciators, and in-person contacts from citizens in the University Police Department (UPD) lobby
• Elicits and records pertinent and accurate information, and uses judgment and discretion to rapidly assess the nature and priority of information and the necessary response
• Operates UPD and other emergency communications equipment to dispatch officers to calls for service, critical incidents and emergencies
• Identifies locations where assistance is needed, makes rapid determinations as to availability and proximity of the nearest emergency personnel and equipment, and coordinates interagency communications with surrounding jurisdictions
• Responsible for accurate data entry into the computer aided dispatch system.
• Operates police radio and data systems for the purposes of dispatching and communicating with police and other public safety resources
• Enters and retrieves data for police reports, activity logs and criminal information.
• Utilizes automated dispatch and law enforcement systems and databases to enter, research, and retrieve information
• Provides support to other public safety and community service functions including parking and building access services
• Utilizes dispatch and law enforcement systems and databases (both computerized and manual) to maintain department files and reports

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to effectively communicate (read, write, spell and speak in clear, concise English) via telephone, radio and in person
• Ability to learn correct telephone answering techniques; 9-1-1, emergency, non-emergency, business and allied agencies
• Skilled in reading and interpreting maps
• Ability to accurately identify where assistance is requested
• Skilled in using various video display terminals
• Knowledge or ability to learn police emergency procedures, radio codes and phonetic alphabet
• Ability to operate and accurately enter data into the computer aided dispatch system (CAD) while simultaneously receiving information by phone or radio
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and organize workload
• Ability to dispatch officers to routine and critical incidents
• Ability to accurately enter data, research and retrieve information from automated dispatch and law enforcement databases
• Ability to independently analyze situations quickly and accurately, while taking effective action to assure public safety provider and citizen safety
• Ability to communicate clearly and distinctly using radio and telephone equipment
• Ability to maintain composure and work accurately in emergency situations
• Ability to achieve the P.O.S.T Dispatcher certificate prior to completion of the probationary period
• Ability to work in a confined area wearing a headset which restricts movement about the work area
• Ability to work as assigned, on schedules that may include weekends, holidays and non-traditional work hours; and a willingness to work overtime as required
• Ability to work in a highly structured environment where all communications are recorded or documented and reviewed as public record
• Ability to type at a net rate of 30 wpm on a computer keyboard
• Ability to maintain appropriate documentation of previous events, details and conversations
• Ability to monitor security and fire alarm systems
• Ability to perform with a high standard of customer service, professional conduct, and civic responsibility
• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• One year of experience using a switchboard and a two-way radio communication system in a law enforcement or comparable agency within the last ten years, or general telephone operator, transportation dispatcher, or military experience
• Completion of, or the ability to attend and successfully complete, the Police Officers Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Dispatcher Course is required
• Passing score on CritiCall Practical Dispatch Test (to be completed before moving to background phase)

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Previous experience with law enforcement or security dispatching
• Bilingual background with fluency in Spanish or Vietnamese
• Possession of a current P.O.S.T. Basic Dispatch certificate
• One year minimum customer service experience in a high pace/busy setting involving multitasking skills

Compensation

Classification: Police Dispatcher I
Anticipated Hiring Range: $5,000/month - $5,290/month
CSU Salary Range: $3,680/month - $6,609/month

San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

All applicants must apply within the specified application period: April 21, 2025 through May 6, 2025. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.

The CSU requires faculty, staff, and students who are accessing campus facilities to be fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus (including all booster doses of an approved vaccine for which an individual is eligible per current CDC recommendations) or declare a medical or religious exemption from doing so. As a condition of employment, any candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to comply with this requirement as well as with other safety measures established on the campus.

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. SJSU will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was offered the position on a contingent basis.

The standard background check includes: criminal check, employment and education verification. Depending on the position, a motor vehicle and/or credit check may be required. All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate Background. Some positions may also require fingerprinting. SJSU will pay all costs associated with this procedure. Evidence of required degree(s) or certification(s) will be required at time of hire.

SJSU IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS. (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University (SJSU) is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion or lack thereof, sex, sexual orientation, transgender, or protected veteran status consistent with applicable federal and state laws. This policy applies to all SJSU students, faculty and staff programs and activities. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and certain other federal and state laws, prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in all education programs and activities operated by the university (both on and off campus).